Gen Z, comprised of those born between 1997 and 2012, is starting to enter the workforce—and is strikingly different from previous generations, including Millennials. Gen Z has seen first-hand the impact of student loan debt, witnessed the #MeToo movement and marched for their beliefs. So, what makes this new generation tick?

There are many myths surrounding Gen Z, such as they are uncertain about the future and totally dependent on technology. We wanted to know how the $800 billion restaurant and foodservice industry could separate myths from facts, and attract and retain Gen Z when every other industry is competing for this same segment. To find out, we conducted exclusive research with the Center for Generational Kinetics and uncovered the prevailing attitudes, perceptions and trends that Gen Z has toward working in restaurants. Our survey of over 1,600 respondents specifically looked at where the wants and desires of Gen Z intersect with what the industry has to offer. To harness the power of the Gen Z workforce, the restaurant industry (along with every other industry) must examine who Gen Z is and what it seeks in a work environment. Here is what we learned:

The Restaurant Industry Is Training – And Keeping – Gen Z

An incredible 82 percent of Gen Z got their first paid work experience in a restaurant, and that experience is overwhelmingly positive, with Gen Z workers found satisfied with their restaurant work experience by a 64% to 20% margin. And over one-third of them aspire to stay and become restaurant owners, managers, and operators.

Mentorship is a high priority for Gen Z. Over 40 percent stated mentors are essential to giving them confidence and professional skills necessary to advance their careers. Our survey showed that 59 percent who have had a mentor were in more senior positions compared to 30 percent of those who have not had a mentor.

Culture Is King

Gen Z has a strong desire to be part of an active, creative, collaborative and flexible work environment. The top cultural traits found to be important for a Gen Zer’s ideal job include recognition, flexibility and a team atmosphere. And Gen Z is ambitious, with over half saying they expect to make more money in the first three months and receive a promotion within the first year.

Reputation Matters

Gen Z wants to be part of a restaurant or business that has high ethics, appreciates diversity, and a positive reputation in the community. Respondents also clearly expect a safe work environment where everyone is respected and treated fairly.

How Gen Z Finds Jobs

Good old fashioned word of mouth from family and friends is still highly effective in determining where Gen Z applies to work, with social media being an additional important resource. With so many jobs to choose from and companies aggressively recruiting Gen Z, they also expect an application process that is seamless, easy and positive.

Restaurants offer a broad range of opportunities to young people from all backgrounds – everything from starting a first job to building a successful career. The sky is the limit for Gen Z in restaurants and, as an industry that is rapidly growing and simply cannot be exported, for many generations to come.

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For the white paper and the infographic on the Gen Z survey, please visit ChooseRestaurants.org/GenZ.

BIO: Rob Gifford is Executive Vice President of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s training and education, career opportunity and community engagement efforts. The Foundation and its portfolio of programs work to Attract, Empower and Advance today’s and tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice industry workforce. Learn more about the Foundation and its work at ChooseRestaurants.org.

Rob Gifford is Executive Vice President of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s training and education, career opportunity and community engagement efforts. The Foundation and its portfolio of programs work to Attract, Empower and Advance today’s and tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice industry workforce. Under Gifford’s leadership, the Foundation has expanded its portfolio of programs to better serve the nation’s restaurant workforce and support career opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people, and its work has won accolades including a Power of “A” Gold Award from the American Society of Association Executives for its mission to “Create a Competitive Workforce.”

Recent initiatives include launching the first-ever restaurant manager apprenticeship program for the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and creating Restaurant Ready, a partnership with community-based organizations nationwide dedicated to teaching job and life skills to underserved populations. Other programs spearheaded by the Foundation include:
-ProStart – a two-year pre-apprenticeship program offered at 1,800 high schools teaching 140,000 students essential skills in culinary arts and restaurant management
-Military – a training and recognition program helping military servicemen and women across all branches transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice jobs and careers
-Scholarships and Grants – awarding annual financial assistance to people from all backgrounds pursuing education and technical training
Gifford’s career spans more than 25 years of advocacy and public policy experience. Before joining the National Restaurant Association and the NRAEF, Gifford served as the President and CEO of the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA). During his tenure, MRA was voted one of the five most effective association lobbying organizations in Michigan, and Gifford was presented with the MRA’s Vision and Leadership Award. Gifford began his career working in the United States Senate, where he served for seven years on the staff of Senator Robert W. Kasten (R-Wi).

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